Stolen goat returns, but family must move menagerie

Villagers want Pellegrina's owner to give up the barnyard in his backyard -- and they're not kidding.

A man and his family have been reunited with their beloved goat, authorities said May 5, a day after some apparent teenage hijinks left officials with a lactating goat and a mystery.(Photo: courtesy of Jeff Oppenheim)

Story Highlights

Three people made off with goat last week

Pellegrina was found wandering the streets

The goats, along with a duck, chickens and sheep, are riling a neighbor

AIRMONT, N.Y. -- Moshe Rosenbaum stood before the straw-filled pen and fenced-in pasture that double as his backyard.

He reached into a feed trough and tossed some oats to Pellegrina, the Nigerian dwarf goat he has spent the past couple of years raising. The tiny black goat with a blue collar bleated and nibbled oats from his hand.

"She's more than just an animal," he said, speaking softly as he rubbed her white-tipped ears. "She's our pet."

As far as the village is concerned, however, Pellegrina is a farm animal.

Following an anxious weekend in which Pellegrina was stolen by pranksters and then returned, the Rosenbaums learned they may have to get rid of the goat and the rest of their backyard menagerie that includes ducks, chickens, sheep and Pellegrina's twin, 2-month-old kids, Flopsie and Dollop.

Acting on a complaint by a neighbor, village officials have told Rosenbaum he is in violation of the town's zoning code, which allows three dogs and three cats on the property, which is less than 1 acre, but prohibits livestock.

The complaint was lodged two weeks ago, according to officials, and code enforcement went to the property. The family has been given 45 days to find a new home for Pellegrina.

Rosenbaum, a school teacher and self-described investor, grew up in the Bronx. Now in his 30s, he said he has always wanted a taste of the rural life. He believes living in the Rockland area means having outdoor space to keep animals.